- The intervertebral disc acts as the shock absorber between the vertebra above and below. When they are hydrated and healthy, they keep the spine flexible. Think about the disc as a jelly filled doughnut with soft, squishy interior and tough, fibrous exterior. When the nucleus pulposus (jelly) begins to push on the annulus fibrosus (outer part of the doughnut), it can herniate/slip/protrude/bulge through some of those outer layers.
- When that occurs, the pressure inside the disc increases greatly. This can often cause significant, debilitating pain. Depending on the size of the herniation or bulge, the disc can encroach upon the nearby nerve root which would likely cause radiculopathy like symptoms such as sciatica (radiating pain). Some patients on the other hand can have a herniated or bulging disc but to a lesser degree.
- Diagnostic imaging might reveal a disc that is in the process of degenerating on its way to a herniation or rupture. While a patient might not feel any symptom at the current time, the spine is likely in a biomechanical distorted state causing undue forces which can lead to weakness, numbness, or tingling.
- Corrections to the spine via Upper Cervical Spinal Care often have a positive impact on herniated/bulging discs. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the leading non-invasive treatment for herniated/bulging discs.
Testimonials
I’m finishing my 5th week at Crossroads and I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Lea, his staff and my treatment. He and his staff are as genuine and friendly that I have ever experienced in the medical field. Not only is Dr. Lea helping me with my pain, but he is teaching me about my pain. He explains everything that we do and is patient with any question I have. Having suffered chronic neck pain for almost a decade, this was my last hope. I was in excruciating pain and I’d tried it all except for surgery- injections, medications, physical therapy, etc. Luck (or fate) from a Google search and I found my way to Crossroads Brain and Spine. My pain is not completely gone, but my pain has decreased about 50% in these 5 weeks and my migraines have been reduced as well. I’m not one to leave reviews, but this Dr and his team are just incredible and have made a difference in my life in these 5 short weeks.
Ashley